Spanish FM Albares Plans Bilateral Visit to Morocco

• Spanish FM Albares visits Morocco for diplomatic renewal.
• Goal: Strengthen political and economic ties.
• Follows 2021 crisis, Spain endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.

Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, is set to embark on a significant bilateral visit to Morocco next week, marking his first official trip to the North African country since assuming office during Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent re-election.

The purpose of the visit is to revitalize the diplomatic roadmap agreed upon during Prime Minister Sanchez’s meeting with King Mohammed VI in Rabat back in April 2022. This diplomatic initiative underscores the commitment of both nations to reinforce cooperation across various sectors.

Numerous Spanish news outlets have emphasized the importance of this bilateral trip, highlighting its aim to strengthen political relations and enhance economic ties between Spain and Morocco. Servimedia reports that the visit seeks to bolster collaboration not only in politics but also in economic spheres.

This diplomatic effort follows a tumultuous period in the relationship between the two countries, culminating in a year-long diplomatic crisis in 2021. The crisis arose from Spain’s controversial decision to allow the hospitalization of Polisario leader Brahim Ghali on Spanish soil. In a decisive move, Spain officially endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most realistic and viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute, signaling a commitment to resolving contentious issues.

The upcoming visit gains significance in the context of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco, along with Spain and Portugal, will co-host. The three nations are determined to collaborate closely to present a historic tournament, showcasing their commitment to multifaceted cooperation, including trade, political dialogue, culture, and sports.

Since his re-election, Prime Minister Sanchez has consistently expressed his determination to foster closer ties between Morocco and Spain, as well as the broader European Union. In November, he underscored the importance of cooperation in a phone call with Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, signaling ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship.

As Minister Albares embarks on this diplomatic mission, both countries appear poised to build on the momentum generated by the new roadmap established in the aftermath of the diplomatic crisis. The visit is anticipated to contribute to the deepening of ties, reinforcing diplomatic relations, and promoting collaboration across various sectors for the mutual benefit of Spain and Morocco.

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